THE COMMERCIAL DATA MASKING FACILITY (CDMF) DATA PRIVACY ALGORITHM

The Commercial Data Masking Facility (CDMF) algorithm defines a scramb ling technique for data confidentiality that uses the Data Encryption Algorithm (DEA) as the underlying cryptographic algorithm, but weakens the overall cryptographic operation by defining a key-generation meth od that produces an effective 40-bit DEA key instead of the 56 bits re quired by the full-strength DEA. In general, products implementing the CDMF algorithm in an appropriate manner may be freely exported from t he USA. The algorithm is thus intended as a drop-in replacement for th e DEA in cryptographic products. Discussed in this paper are the desig n requirements, rationale, strength, and applications of the CDMF algo rithm.